January 3, 2025 • 32 mins
On this Friday episode of From the Podium, hear from HC Kevin Stefanski, TE Coach Tommy Rees, CB Coach Brandon Lynch, WR Jerry Jeudy, and DE Myles Garrett.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ye.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Welcome to another Friday edition of the From the Podium podcast.
I'm Gabe Klea. The Browns are headed to Baltimore today
for their final game of the regular season tomorrow against
the Ravens. On today's episode, you'll hear from head coach
Kevin Stefanski, tight ends coach Tommy Reese, cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch,
wide receiver Jerry Judy, and defensive end Miles Garrett. Head
(00:25):
coach Kevin Stefanski will start us off today and he
gave his final thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Okay, good Chris, day out there, got some work in
and then we're getting on the airplane tomorrow. Play a
good team, a division opponent that we know well. We're
excited about the opportunity to go up against them. We're
looking forward to the opportunity to compete. So put some
finishing touches with some meetings the next few days and
then we'll be playing Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
Looking forward to it. But with that, I'll take any questions.
Speaker 5 (00:55):
Will be your starting quarterback?
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Yeah, well, I'm not gonna announce it right this minute.
I want to talk to those guys. Are about the
plan and they I'll let you guys.
Speaker 6 (01:02):
Know, do you still plan you both?
Speaker 5 (01:05):
I do quibit.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Is that something that.
Speaker 7 (01:10):
You will be informing them on like today or.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
You take it up to today.
Speaker 6 (01:18):
Kevin looked like Dalvin walked off yesterday ner practice, but
he avoided anything major there.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
Yeah, I'd say avoided major. Yeah.
Speaker 8 (01:29):
How did it go this week with both Bailey and
dtr rotating good?
Speaker 3 (01:34):
You know, there's a limited number of reps to get
guys ready, and that's just the nature of the beast.
Wanted to see both of those guys with the first
group and see how they operate in those type of things.
You know, the story or the nature of backup quarterback plays.
You have to be ready to roll, whether you know
you're starting, don't know you're starting. You could play number
(01:57):
one of the game. Somebody needs a shoelace. You gotta
go in there. So you just you got to always
be ready at that position. That's just part of the
of that. It's dealing with uncertainty. So I thought both
guys handled that part really well. I know, like anybody,
you'd love to know what the exact plan is, but
that's that's life in the big City.
Speaker 9 (02:16):
Kevin, with that's all missing this game, so season done,
and what what did you see from him this year?
Speaker 10 (02:22):
What does he meant to this keep them?
Speaker 3 (02:23):
Yeah, obviously disappointed with this injury, but you can't take
away with how well he can't take away from how
well he's played this season. Teams don't often throw his way.
When they do, it's not oftentimes successful. He's just got
that inate ability to defend the other team's best guy typically,
(02:44):
So really proud of how he played.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
I think there's always room to improve.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
I think Denzel would tell you that there's always room
to improve, but played at a really high level.
Speaker 9 (02:53):
How serious should dated just with his season being over now,
just all the injuries he had to battle through this year.
How unfortunate was that considering the year he had in
twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
Three, Right, Yeah, I think he's always looking to build
on some really high moments there.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
So part of that is just getting healthy and being
able to do it.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
How serious is Denzel's injury, Kevin, Yeah, serious enough to
keep him out of this one, But for the long term,
I think he'll be okay.
Speaker 6 (03:19):
I know you said the other day, Kevin, that if
guys were healthy that they would play, but with the
lungst questionable guys, are you more inclined to set them up?
Speaker 4 (03:29):
I wouldn't. I wouldn't say it that way.
Speaker 3 (03:31):
I think if the questionable guys are healthy enough to play,
they'll play along.
Speaker 9 (03:35):
Goes Linebull guys play a full snapload when you kind
of mix it up.
Speaker 6 (03:39):
How do you play the press?
Speaker 3 (03:40):
We have a normal rotation plan for a lot of
the guys, but we'll see how it goes.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
This is Jerry Judy's first Pro Bowl.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Can you just reflect on the season he afters?
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Yeah, I'm excited for him to finish strong. I think
he's proven to be the guy we thought he was
when AB went out and acquired him. He's a very
very good separator, very intelligent, which I knew that coming
into this, and that has allowed us to move them
around the formation. Has made a lot of big plays
for this football team in a variety of ways. I
(04:12):
think Jerry's a really versatile player.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
Delvin doesn't play.
Speaker 6 (04:16):
It feels like you could have two rookies getting a
ton of time right and Mike and Joint. Have you
seen those two guys lately and what kind of challenge
is it facing.
Speaker 5 (04:25):
Such a big time offense.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Sure, it's a challenge and of itself just going up
against a very good offense. But the young guys, you know,
we have confidence in them. I think they continue to
get better. You mentioned Juan and Mike. I think those
are two young players that are just getting better with
every single rep.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
Kevin along those lines.
Speaker 10 (04:42):
A lot of times you see a situation like that
where you know, one team's at least got playoffs. You know,
the old wrestlers, their starters, mean, while you're playing some
young guys, is this maybe best case scenario in terms
of you know, big picture seeing maybe you know, adding another,
you know, another really quality film for those guys against.
Speaker 5 (05:03):
A you know, a quality opponent.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
I think all those reps matter. I really believe that
with some young guys. Sometimes they get more reps in
the middle of the year, towards the end of the
year due to injury, an opportunity comes up, or they
carve themselves a role, But every one of these reps matters.
Speaker 11 (05:21):
Well.
Speaker 9 (05:21):
Mile still has a chance to get the sack title,
considering he's high for the lead. Just if you've got
defensive player of the Year last year to get that
for the first time or what would it mean and
how do those individual accolades.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
All to get what was that one more time? Yeah,
I mean.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
You guys would have to help me, because if he
won the award last year, playing at the way he
played last year, I don't see how he's not the
best defensive player in the game this year. And you know,
it depends to whatever metric you want to measure that.
Buy if you want to go with the eye test,
I think everybody would agree. I think if you want
to go with the advanced metrics and look at the
pressure numbers and the that he's getting double teamed and
(06:02):
slides are going his way, that's the piece to me
that I think is so impressive and remarkable is he's
doing all this with getting all of the attention from
the other team. It's like a degree of difficulty that
he's able to lead the league in sacks and tackles
for loss with all that attention. It's it should be impossible.
So that just speaks to the caliber he's playing at.
(06:25):
I don't have a vote in it, but I don't
see how he's not the best defensive player in the
National Football League.
Speaker 8 (06:31):
Again, Kevin Y I ended up what you know, You're asked,
boy jersey making Pro Bowl, but you ended up with
three guys on a Pro Bowl, six different alternates as well.
I guess just what's to say about you know, the
individual players you have and you know, seems kind of
(06:52):
tough to kind of square that with the lack of
team success.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Well, I think, first of all, when it comes to
individual success, we want that for all of our guys.
It's a great reflection on their teammates. When you get
individual's success, every single one of those guys would tell
you that's not the most important thing. That they understand
that winning. You know, the team comes first, and I
know they would all trade that for success as a team.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
Okay, we're not done.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
Put that recorder down, Jeff.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
So one of your colleagues here is retiring after twenty
six years at the AP covering the Browns. So I
just want to acknowledge mister Tom Withers, who's you know,
the best in the business, so professional, he's nobody can
beat him when it comes to his his encyclopedia. How
(07:48):
do you say, American encyclopedia, knowledge of music and sports,
But you do it the right way. I appreciate you
I know this group appreciates you. So let's hear from
mister Tom Withers.
Speaker 12 (08:00):
Come on off.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Tight Ends coach Tommy Reese talked about what he learned
during his time with Mike Rabel, not of.
Speaker 10 (08:16):
Mike's gone, Rabel's gone, Just what what did you learn
the most from him in your time working with them?
Speaker 13 (08:23):
Yeah, I mean he was invaluable, especially like early in
camp and early in the season he was with the
tight Ends predominantly, and just being able to see how
he approached different players, to reach guys that you know,
not everybody learns the same way, not everybody takes coaching
the same way, but his ability to reach guys and
use different tactics like that was critical for me. You know,
(08:45):
the way he's able to look at the game as
a head coach and kind of the full picture of things.
So to be able to hear that firsthand and be
around at firsthand. And then you know, honestly, for me
coming from college into the NFL, for a guy that
spent most of his life in the NFL, just the
nuances and you know, some of the differences between the
two games and hearing that from him was was great.
(09:06):
And so you know, I was still am extremely appreciative
of the time I got to spend with him and
being able to you know, pick his brain, hear some
things from a defensive perspective, and you know, it was
a pretty unique but like really rewarding experience to be
able to work with him.
Speaker 14 (09:24):
I think it was at the Green Bar, the only
time we talked of for Able he made reference to
having a past relationship with you from.
Speaker 13 (09:32):
Yeah, I just knew him a little bit just through
other coaches, you know, people that we had both either
worked with or knew from the past, and then you
know when those guys come around for pro Day's or
whatever it may be at you know, Notre Dame or
Alabama and having that experience. So it wasn't like we
knew each other great, but we were definitely you know,
had some mutual contacts and people that were from the
(09:55):
same circle.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
I know we asked you about.
Speaker 15 (10:00):
It a little bit before, but just the way he
got so physical during practices and you know, even with
your you know, with the tight ends and all that.
Speaker 5 (10:09):
Kind of stuff, how that went.
Speaker 13 (10:10):
Yeah, it was it was cool for me to see
and I think I probably like, look, I'm not stature
wise quite what phrames is, but like, even as the
year went on and he wasn't with us, like to
be able to be hands on with the guys and
feel the blocks and feel some of those things and
being able to, you know, use those techniques, that was
(10:30):
valuable for me and for him, Like he was always
looking at it like we block the position he played
almost every snap, right, So to be able to hear
it from the other side is a really interesting perspective
for our players and for myself.
Speaker 6 (10:46):
Nuances between the NFL and college being back in the
NFL issue for you, like, what are some of the
things that really jumped out to either.
Speaker 12 (10:53):
Yeah, I mean I just think.
Speaker 13 (10:56):
Like the personnel that you face week in and week out,
and then fell is such a part of the game plan.
Like there are guys that can wreck games. Right in college,
you might get a few of those throughout the year,
but it's not week in and week out, and so
you know, at this level that's probably one of the
biggest factors.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
And how you.
Speaker 13 (11:13):
Approach looking at an opponent is just Okay, well, who
are the guys that we actually have to go effect
and block and how do we make sure that we're
putting our players in the right spots all the time.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Because you bid and coach some of these guys. Will
you be part of the draft process, like maybe more
than a.
Speaker 12 (11:29):
Normal position, Yeah, I mean I don't.
Speaker 13 (11:31):
You know, that's not necessarily up to us, and that's
something well, you know, as the offseason approaches. But you
know we were part of that last year and continue to,
you know, have our role in all of those things.
Speaker 9 (11:44):
David getting named of Pro Bowl Alternate, I mean just
the injuries he's dealt with this year and he's been
in and out. Just how it's he handled that.
Speaker 12 (11:51):
How have you guys handled it as a burp? Yeah,
I mean Dave every week wants to play.
Speaker 13 (11:55):
You know, obviously there's been limitations there due to injury,
but he's fought. He's a tough guy. That's something I
learned about Dave throughout the year is just his commitment
and his toughness to wanting to be out there with
his guys. And I mean you saw it a few
weeks ago as he gives our team a spark. So,
you know, really fortunate to be able to coach, you know,
someone like Dave, and you know it hasn't been the
(12:16):
easiest year for him, but you know he's throughout all
of it has really strived to try to get.
Speaker 12 (12:21):
Out on the field when he you know, as much
as he can.
Speaker 9 (12:24):
Next year, what do.
Speaker 15 (12:26):
You see for him just in terms of the kind
of production he's capable of.
Speaker 13 (12:30):
Yeah, I mean, you guys saw it here a year
ago and you've seen it in glimpses this year of
you know, when he's able to go when you get
the ball to him. You know, he's really good after
the catch, He's really good with the ball in his hands.
He's a great matchup in the red zone, as we've
seen throughout the season, and so continue to build off that,
and then you know, he is truly one of the
tight ends in the league that you can have in
the game to affect the pass and affect the run,
(12:52):
and so that that standard doesn't you know, drop for him.
Speaker 7 (12:55):
Through your interview with.
Speaker 13 (12:56):
Carolina twice, you know, like those opportunities I'm about you know,
I had a good experience there, but you know, my
focus has been on the season and you know I'd
rather just keep things, you know, looking ahead here and
making sure that we have a you know, opportunity to have.
Speaker 12 (13:12):
A good practice and a good game this weekend.
Speaker 13 (13:14):
But you know those those opportunities come and you know,
fortunate for you know, things like that. But my focus
has been mainly here.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
So answer, it hasn't been the year off toda anybody wanted.
But how are you a better coach than.
Speaker 4 (13:28):
When you came in your last chamber?
Speaker 5 (13:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 13 (13:29):
I mean I think one like being with a position
group I'm with like this, the tight end group is
part of everything, Like outside of the quarterback, you have
to know run game, protection, past game, how to get open,
how to block someone. Like for me, the personal growth
there has been tremendous. Look, when you deal with adversity,
you learn a lot. And this year has not gone
(13:51):
the way any of us had you know, planned for.
But I think when you're faced with those times, you
learn in different ways and you learn, you know, how
to keep moving forward, how to keep coaching guys, how
to make sure that you're you know, week in and
week out putting your guys and positions to have success.
So you know, sometimes you learn more in these types
of situations than you do when everything's going you know great, cool,
(14:16):
I mean, what do you think I'm gonna say? I thought, Yeah,
I mean, I would say, like first and foremost, hopefully
everybody down there is okay and safe. And you know,
there's a lot of people that I've spoken to with
Notre Dame down there that it was a pretty you know,
hectic a couple of you know, a couple of days.
So obviously I'm pulling for the Irish more than anything.
Hopefully everybody's you know, okay and can get home safe.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Quarterbacks coach Brandon Lynch spoke on Denzel wards season, which
led to his fourth career Pro Bowl selection.
Speaker 15 (14:45):
Can start with Denzel making the Pro Bowl and just
what kind of season.
Speaker 5 (14:50):
Has he had?
Speaker 16 (14:51):
Yes, you know, we were talking earlier today. You know,
we talk about like the best ability is dependability and availability,
and I think that that's something that like he really
strived in the off season to make sure that he
was available for the team, you know, and not just
you know in a mental you know, play making fashion,
but also physically and he did a really good job
at that.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
This year.
Speaker 9 (15:12):
The way he's continued to just be disruptive with leading
the league and in passes defense. And I know he
has a couple of interceptions, but even though those haven't
come as often as he would like the way he's
too little to impact.
Speaker 16 (15:23):
The games by the way, you know, I think that
this year for Denzel, like fundamentals and techniques have been outstanding,
you know, and it's one of those things that is
really rooted in like doing it for the team, you know.
And I think that like in years past, that's something
like seeing his maturity in that in that level as
a teacher, I've been very proud of him in that.
Speaker 9 (15:42):
I mean the fact that he sounded like yesterday he
wants to try to fight through and play in in
this game. I mean the fact that you have a
guy like that doing that at three and thirteen in
the last week when he is kind of beat up,
Like what does that what kind of message does that
send to the rest of the bets?
Speaker 16 (15:56):
The team is always first, you know, And that's something
that like being a c Eveland guy, right and being
one of our leaders on the on the team, it's
great to see like our leaders lead, you know. We
talk about like leaders lead from the front, and we're
talking about you're either a falsehot or a dream, you know,
And he's certainly a false that he gives he serves
on the football field in the community and we're seeing
(16:17):
that on tape.
Speaker 6 (16:19):
I guess unusual maybe to see a guy play his
best football this far into his career. And you mentioned
what some of the reasons the availability, but what else
did you see him kind of make.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
A jump in this year?
Speaker 16 (16:32):
Attention to detail, you know, like Denzelda is a smart player,
like with rare traits, but attention to detail, like he's
really applied those things. You know, and the team has
always been important to him, but like being catapulted in
a position of leadership, like you've really seen him take
ownership and that amongst the group. You know, Jim talks about,
(16:52):
you know, our d line being the engine, you know,
our second level players linebackers, and our safeties being a
nurse and or and us being a tip of the spear.
He's really taken ownership of that, you know, legitly, and
you're seeing it in his play.
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Martin focus on this.
Speaker 16 (17:07):
Offseason true, you know what I'd say, being Martin, like
he's a guy that continues to have arrow up, he
continues to improve his press is off, his tackling. We
want to make sure that we keep the focus on that.
And then we talk about like not growing weary, Right,
So when we are successful in that like remaining fundamentally
sound and staying grounded.
Speaker 14 (17:28):
About Denzel's kind of turning a corner on dependability this year.
I mean, did you think he could laiter rest the
criticism that he isn't the pedal but he's always missing
a few games to because the turning point in his
career this kind of season and that.
Speaker 16 (17:47):
You know, he he always has like leveraged all of
the resources in the building, you know, from Larry to
Joe to you know, Ron, all of these guys in
the building. So I know he's gonna continuously you know,
put his best foot forward in that manner.
Speaker 14 (18:02):
Shouldn't by anyone for him to focus on that.
Speaker 16 (18:06):
This year, you know what it's It's it's always ownership,
right like great players. You know, Jim always talks about
like great teams being player led, Like these are these
are goals you know that we'll talk about in the
off season, but these are also personal goals that he's
always had, you know, and to see his maturity and
dependability to rely on those resources this year has been great.
Speaker 6 (18:28):
See, I know Cam played mostly in the slot, but
it feels like he's had to play more outside lately
with some of the injury injuries you guys have been
dealing with, do you think he can play in Saturday
and outside?
Speaker 16 (18:39):
Absolutely versatile player, you know, I know that. You know
when Andrew and coach Sefanski got him here, you know,
we talked about like that versatility amongst physicians, and he's
a player that you know, speed, length, athleticism, He plays
press well. He's also a really has really good ball
skills and he's a good tackler, so being able to
be inside and outside, but also being a good communicator
(19:01):
to keep us ahead. That ads that adds value in them.
Speaker 6 (19:05):
And then one Cincinnati played late, where did he just stop?
Because follow everybody stops?
Speaker 16 (19:11):
Sure, you know what, we have to do a better
job finishing on that, you know, just period. And I'll
I'll be the very first person to say that that
reflects myself. We made sure that we got that.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
Corrected with Martin.
Speaker 15 (19:25):
And obviously you guys play a lot of man covers.
Is he what he needs to be or does he
need to really work on the technique in one on
one outside man covering?
Speaker 16 (19:34):
A great question is Mary, you know, I I think
that like to a man like to a player and
a student and teacher. We're never really you know, at
our at our final process, so you know, us always
working on what's important for us. I know that we
talk a lot about who we play, what they play,
what we play, best personnel in our two deep reference
(19:54):
to injuries, so you know, the things that we play
and who we play.
Speaker 5 (19:57):
We want to make sure that our press are all off.
Speaker 16 (20:00):
Our zone instincts as well as our tackling are always
at the forefront of things.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
What is it.
Speaker 6 (20:10):
Have you ever seen Lamar play any better than he.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
Is right now?
Speaker 9 (20:13):
Oh?
Speaker 16 (20:14):
Man, he is definitely arrow up, you know, continuously improve.
He's a better pocket passer, He's seeing the field more confidently,
you know, very impressive to see.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Wide receiver Jerry Judy discussed being selected to his first
career Pro Bowl.
Speaker 5 (20:28):
Uh, it feels great.
Speaker 11 (20:29):
You know, I'm extremely blessed and though extremely thankful just
to had opportunity to be able to make.
Speaker 5 (20:35):
The Pro Bowl for my first year.
Speaker 11 (20:37):
You know, couldn't do it without the guys in the
locker room, you know, couldn't do it without coaching staff
and put him in the right position to be able
to make plays and be successful in this offense, you know,
thanks to those guys, just something.
Speaker 9 (20:49):
Like, hey, I can do some good things here and
we can do some good things in the future.
Speaker 12 (20:57):
Even though the.
Speaker 9 (20:58):
Records three is thirteen.
Speaker 11 (21:00):
Uh yeah for sure, you know, we just uh we
got all the all the players that that that.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Uh we need to be able to be a good team,
you know.
Speaker 11 (21:07):
Uh, you know, uh it's trying to be a good
team next year.
Speaker 5 (21:12):
I mean, what was it like you got to uh
you know, I W.
Speaker 11 (21:17):
I was extremely happy, you know, all the hard work
I put put it in throughout the off season. Now
it's finally it's finally showing. You know, been through a
lot my first couple of years uh in the league,
you know, so not be it of a really showcase
what I'm about and be being being the Portland you
know what it means a lot of me.
Speaker 5 (21:37):
Gerdy Somelafe.
Speaker 8 (21:37):
It takes a while for uh a a player who
was traded to fit into it to the team, but
it seems you did it right away.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
What who was the key to that?
Speaker 11 (21:46):
Have at?
Speaker 5 (21:47):
You know?
Speaker 11 (21:48):
Uh, I feel like I was the the type of
guy to uh really to perform like this.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
You know, I just had to be put in the
right position.
Speaker 11 (21:55):
To do so, you know, and come in here, you know, uh,
coach Kennon, Uh Steven all the officer coach, you know,
put me in the right position to that really be
successful and really perform in and you know, and I
just took advantage of every opportunity.
Speaker 15 (22:09):
So you have always felt like you were a one
thousand yard receiver, You've always felt like you were a
Pro Bowl receiver right when the men you came into the.
Speaker 11 (22:17):
League, I would guess, yeah, yeah, of course, you know, uh,
you know, I definitely felt that. I felt I definitely
felt like I was one of the top guys coming
in the league. You know, the numbers probably ain't short,
you know, but nah, you know, God's God's timing, you know.
Speaker 5 (22:31):
Nah, it's better than now than ever.
Speaker 6 (22:32):
Did you look at the list of the guys who
made the Pro Bowls and think, you know whatever, it
means impressive list of guys, Like did you take any
time to look and see.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
Who was on the team with you?
Speaker 8 (22:41):
Uh?
Speaker 11 (22:41):
Yeah, I seen, Uh yeah, I seen who was They
tapped me on Instagram, you know, I I seen it.
So yeah, yah, they're all talented group of guys.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
Is this set any dark for you.
Speaker 11 (22:54):
Uh yeah, for sure, you know, Uh, Pro Bowl now
hopefully Super Bowl champion.
Speaker 5 (23:01):
You know, I'll pro so that what we're chasing.
Speaker 9 (23:03):
Now.
Speaker 15 (23:05):
How about this weekend, looks like you're gonna have both
Dorian and Bailey. Are you ready to catch passes from
both of those guys?
Speaker 16 (23:12):
However the order goes?
Speaker 5 (23:13):
Uh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 11 (23:14):
You know, I'm pretty sure both of those guys are
well prepared. You know, both of them had uh a
good amount of reps this week you know, and I'm
excited to see what they do out.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
There, specially you get maxed up with Marlin a lot.
Speaker 11 (23:24):
Oh yeah, I'm PM probably sir.
Speaker 5 (23:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Finally, reigning Defensive Player of the Year Miles Garrett made
his case for winning that honor for a second straight season.
Speaker 17 (23:33):
They sentium, I've had a Smediam since high school.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
Man, it's been tough, tough onun and close.
Speaker 15 (23:42):
What else do you talk about?
Speaker 12 (23:43):
Uncertain?
Speaker 15 (23:45):
Uh, I was just gonna ask you why making your
sixty vote?
Speaker 5 (23:52):
Yeah, especial, I'm grateful for every single one.
Speaker 16 (23:56):
Uh.
Speaker 17 (23:57):
Hopefully I can keep my toes safe and come out
here think. But uh, I always excited to figure out
there and uh, you know see some of the the
very best, know some of those guys pretty well, and uh,
you know, being around being around greatness and that that's rare.
So you know, just try to you know, take what
I can from the experience and uh, like I said,
and I take it for granted.
Speaker 9 (24:16):
What is after the to injury? Do you think you
might set out some of the fastivities or watch from.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
The side past.
Speaker 17 (24:23):
Uh yeah, I think I might, you know, play it
safe and uh, you know, do some things a little
bit less strenuous.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
I know we're we're talking about the sack title or
but now that it's one game away, when you're tied
to trade, Uh, how cool would it be to you?
Speaker 5 (24:39):
How important is it to you to get that first
protect tickle?
Speaker 17 (24:43):
Uh? I mean I'd rather upset them and mess up
their their playoff hopes. And if the sack title comes
along with that, great, you know, definitely gonna do what
I can to be disruptive and the take, you know,
eight out the game as mucial as possible, so you know,
(25:04):
if that comes along with it, outstanding.
Speaker 5 (25:06):
But you know, at the end of the day, I
wanna win it. Take I mean, is it possible to
even take out completely. Hell, no, the man's amazing.
Speaker 17 (25:17):
Uh. A couple of years back, you would say, you know,
try to keep him in the pocket. I think even
the beginning of the season, we're like, you know, just
try to keep keep him in the pocket and make
him play with as munch as possible. Night You're like,
we don't know what to do. He he's been steadily growing.
No year after year, you know he's he he lost
that uh that baby bait. Now he's back to, you know,
(25:38):
being lean and and fast as hell. So now you
know what he he get breaks the pocket or he
stays in the pockets, you know you you're gonna have
a a rough day, cause he can do.
Speaker 9 (25:47):
Everything's year talking do uh camping earlier than he was
campaigning for you to again be the defensive player of
the year.
Speaker 5 (25:56):
You do you think you're having a better year than
you've been dead last year? I think with U yes
to say it, you know, both blake or bluntly, but.
Speaker 17 (26:13):
I feel like I face much more difficult odds this year,
and uh, you know, Officer's throwing quite a lot to
try to take me out the game and make it
no blatantly obvious, but uh, you know, I feel like
the guys around me have have really helped me, uh
thrive as much as I I have at this point,
and I know one just gotta continue to uh you know,
(26:34):
add on you know to what I've done with this
last game, But I can can have done it without
all the guys with me.
Speaker 6 (26:39):
The tenth do you feel like we're not through increasing
what teams were going to do?
Speaker 5 (26:44):
And was there something unique form other words?
Speaker 4 (26:46):
Just such?
Speaker 5 (26:47):
Yeah? I mean it w it was kind of a
you know, mixing match. You know, some teams will do it,
some teams won't.
Speaker 17 (26:55):
But I feel like, you know, a lot of the
people are starting to share to say, you know, blueprint
on you no, you know, doubling, chipping, sliding, tripling and
all all that stuff. You know there there's so many
different ways in once they're trying to you know, keep
me out of my rhythm, keep me out balance, make
sure that uh I don't have you know, many opportunities
to make plays.
Speaker 5 (27:15):
Why do you think you've been able to play better
at Displaint Cause I got better and I'll continue to
until I'm I'm finished.
Speaker 12 (27:24):
How you can't specified how you did get better?
Speaker 5 (27:28):
Fit the uh? We can? I specify.
Speaker 17 (27:31):
Man, it was another year of seeing it and I'm
breaking it down with you know, my teammates and and
you know, jocking sworts, you know, finding a way. But
you know, you you start seeing it, you know, we
start to you know, go back to that film from
you know, last year and the year before that, and
how they're they're trying to treat me, and I'll start
to start the game plan against it.
Speaker 5 (27:50):
I'm just like the game playing against myself.
Speaker 10 (27:53):
Where else I remember.
Speaker 15 (27:54):
Heading into that this season, the class season, you particularly
think that you necessarily have been uh, the whole Hall
of Fame resume that you were gonna need. But uh,
these past two years have just seemed to be taken
everything up and notch you to reached all these milestones
and you do as a player year, do you feel
like the job put together now a Hall of Fame resident?
Speaker 5 (28:15):
Mm, it's good. I don't think about that in the slightest.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
No.
Speaker 17 (28:23):
Like I like, I have continued to say I wanna win.
And you know, a lot of the lot of the
guys who I look up to who are in the
Hall of Fame, have worn at a very high level,
have gone to Notta Mountain top either been there multiple
times or I won a chip and uh now I
gotta continue to self continue to work myself into that
that conversation by you know, finding way to succeed, you know,
(28:45):
getting wins and and uh, you know we have to
continue to work on that.
Speaker 15 (28:49):
Pro that ye do you in justicipate talking to having
the discussia to hosts of discocious way on the getaway day,
I mean on s uh at Sunday with you know,
Ab and Jimmy and and oh the people think you
need to talk to about to.
Speaker 17 (29:02):
I mean, I'm i'm'a do it with with them when
whatever day they they choose to do it. I'm not
gonna do anything different from the group. You know, I
have a I set time and slot and I'm I'm
abide by that.
Speaker 9 (29:15):
M So go back to Lamar and you know, against them,
I think when you hooked it up, you have five
and a half sacks taking him down in your career,
those like the hardest.
Speaker 17 (29:23):
Five and a half sacks you've been more for Absolutely,
it's not even close. I mean there's a there are
definitely some other special cats at the quarterback position for
a shifty uh, I mean Pat himself, he he has
great you know contact balance, but uh, I mean Lamar
you know has that, but he had also had speed.
Speaker 5 (29:41):
It's quickness.
Speaker 17 (29:42):
You know, he's shifty, you know, so he has right,
you know that tremendous funding ability and you know you
can also you know, throw the ball pretty much anyone
in the field.
Speaker 6 (29:49):
Right now really, so when I know you've got him
with the sacks, but have you ever gotten to like
clean shot at him? Cause it feels like a lot
of ady a lot of guys, don't, you know, whether
you're scrambling or whatever, or he just doesn't take hit.
Speaker 17 (30:01):
I don't know anybody who has got a real clean
like wall upon him. So I don't know if it'll happen. Yeah,
I don't know if it happens. So, uh, myself included,
like you said, but we'll see. You know, somebody has
to do it.
Speaker 7 (30:17):
Two of the guys you what the most success against
or kinds of sex or Joe and Lamar, and I
know they're their division, but you sort of take pride
in that that you know, these are two guys that
you know, they're amongst the best of the best in
the game right now. They're you know, they're both good
at being elusive, getting rith ball quick and all that,
and yet you're still able to amass the numbers that
(30:38):
you've amassed against him.
Speaker 17 (30:41):
I mean, getting sacks difficult against anyone. So well, those
guys are definitely at the top of that list, you know,
with different ways of going about it. But you know,
with Joe feeling you know, a lot better physically than
he has in years, and Lamar being Lamar, you know,
those those are special. But uh, I gotta con team
to to add to that.
Speaker 12 (31:02):
Miles.
Speaker 2 (31:02):
Uh, Ronnie McCloud has last NFL game coming up this Saturday. Uh,
what is he bet to this locker room?
Speaker 5 (31:07):
Yeah, I mean he's been just a.
Speaker 17 (31:12):
Uh a foundational leader. You know, he's he's been here,
been been as steady as possible. Ah, And uh, you
know he's he's always done been right there when we
needed him, whether it was on the field not making
him plays, uh or just being here being a a
steady voice for us and and never being discouraged.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
You know, he's he's seeing it, always been a part
of it all.
Speaker 17 (31:32):
And uh, you know, grateful to to be around someone
who's who's been a part of success, understands what it
takes and no giving that time to to influence the
young guys to continue to you know, chase after they're
they'll go hopes and dreams.
Speaker 13 (31:46):
My miles are on When Kevill's making his case for
you to in d Y, he said, can't see how
any think you weren't the best defensive player?
Speaker 5 (31:53):
Du Do you think you're the best defensive player in
the league right now? Yes? Why?
Speaker 10 (32:01):
Why?
Speaker 5 (32:02):
Why you go check the tape? That's why.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
That'll do it for this episode of the From the
Podium podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe to the
show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep it locked to
Cleveland Browns daily each weekday, and follow the Browns on
social media for more coverage from the Cross Country Mortgage
Campus right here in Berea. I'm Gabekollura. Thanks for listening
to the From the Podium podcast.
Ye.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Welcome to another Friday edition of the From the Podium podcast.
I'm Gabe Klea. The Browns are headed to Baltimore today
for their final game of the regular season tomorrow against
the Ravens. On today's episode, you'll hear from head coach
Kevin Stefanski, tight ends coach Tommy Reese, cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch,
wide receiver Jerry Judy, and defensive end Miles Garrett. Head
(00:25):
coach Kevin Stefanski will start us off today and he
gave his final thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Okay, good Chris, day out there, got some work in
and then we're getting on the airplane tomorrow. Play a
good team, a division opponent that we know well. We're
excited about the opportunity to go up against them. We're
looking forward to the opportunity to compete. So put some
finishing touches with some meetings the next few days and
then we'll be playing Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
Looking forward to it. But with that, I'll take any questions.
Speaker 5 (00:55):
Will be your starting quarterback?
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Yeah, well, I'm not gonna announce it right this minute.
I want to talk to those guys. Are about the
plan and they I'll let you guys.
Speaker 6 (01:02):
Know, do you still plan you both?
Speaker 5 (01:05):
I do quibit.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Is that something that.
Speaker 7 (01:10):
You will be informing them on like today or.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
You take it up to today.
Speaker 6 (01:18):
Kevin looked like Dalvin walked off yesterday ner practice, but
he avoided anything major there.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
Yeah, I'd say avoided major. Yeah.
Speaker 8 (01:29):
How did it go this week with both Bailey and
dtr rotating good?
Speaker 3 (01:34):
You know, there's a limited number of reps to get
guys ready, and that's just the nature of the beast.
Wanted to see both of those guys with the first
group and see how they operate in those type of things.
You know, the story or the nature of backup quarterback plays.
You have to be ready to roll, whether you know
you're starting, don't know you're starting. You could play number
(01:57):
one of the game. Somebody needs a shoelace. You gotta
go in there. So you just you got to always
be ready at that position. That's just part of the
of that. It's dealing with uncertainty. So I thought both
guys handled that part really well. I know, like anybody,
you'd love to know what the exact plan is, but
that's that's life in the big City.
Speaker 9 (02:16):
Kevin, with that's all missing this game, so season done,
and what what did you see from him this year?
Speaker 10 (02:22):
What does he meant to this keep them?
Speaker 3 (02:23):
Yeah, obviously disappointed with this injury, but you can't take
away with how well he can't take away from how
well he's played this season. Teams don't often throw his way.
When they do, it's not oftentimes successful. He's just got
that inate ability to defend the other team's best guy typically,
(02:44):
So really proud of how he played.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
I think there's always room to improve.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
I think Denzel would tell you that there's always room
to improve, but played at a really high level.
Speaker 9 (02:53):
How serious should dated just with his season being over now,
just all the injuries he had to battle through this year.
How unfortunate was that considering the year he had in
twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
Three, Right, Yeah, I think he's always looking to build
on some really high moments there.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
So part of that is just getting healthy and being
able to do it.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
How serious is Denzel's injury, Kevin, Yeah, serious enough to
keep him out of this one, But for the long term,
I think he'll be okay.
Speaker 6 (03:19):
I know you said the other day, Kevin, that if
guys were healthy that they would play, but with the
lungst questionable guys, are you more inclined to set them up?
Speaker 4 (03:29):
I wouldn't. I wouldn't say it that way.
Speaker 3 (03:31):
I think if the questionable guys are healthy enough to play,
they'll play along.
Speaker 9 (03:35):
Goes Linebull guys play a full snapload when you kind
of mix it up.
Speaker 6 (03:39):
How do you play the press?
Speaker 3 (03:40):
We have a normal rotation plan for a lot of
the guys, but we'll see how it goes.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
This is Jerry Judy's first Pro Bowl.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Can you just reflect on the season he afters?
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Yeah, I'm excited for him to finish strong. I think
he's proven to be the guy we thought he was
when AB went out and acquired him. He's a very
very good separator, very intelligent, which I knew that coming
into this, and that has allowed us to move them
around the formation. Has made a lot of big plays
for this football team in a variety of ways. I
(04:12):
think Jerry's a really versatile player.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
Delvin doesn't play.
Speaker 6 (04:16):
It feels like you could have two rookies getting a
ton of time right and Mike and Joint. Have you
seen those two guys lately and what kind of challenge
is it facing.
Speaker 5 (04:25):
Such a big time offense.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Sure, it's a challenge and of itself just going up
against a very good offense. But the young guys, you know,
we have confidence in them. I think they continue to
get better. You mentioned Juan and Mike. I think those
are two young players that are just getting better with
every single rep.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
Kevin along those lines.
Speaker 10 (04:42):
A lot of times you see a situation like that
where you know, one team's at least got playoffs. You know,
the old wrestlers, their starters, mean, while you're playing some
young guys, is this maybe best case scenario in terms
of you know, big picture seeing maybe you know, adding another,
you know, another really quality film for those guys against.
Speaker 5 (05:03):
A you know, a quality opponent.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
I think all those reps matter. I really believe that
with some young guys. Sometimes they get more reps in
the middle of the year, towards the end of the
year due to injury, an opportunity comes up, or they
carve themselves a role, But every one of these reps matters.
Speaker 11 (05:21):
Well.
Speaker 9 (05:21):
Mile still has a chance to get the sack title,
considering he's high for the lead. Just if you've got
defensive player of the Year last year to get that
for the first time or what would it mean and
how do those individual accolades.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
All to get what was that one more time? Yeah,
I mean.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
You guys would have to help me, because if he
won the award last year, playing at the way he
played last year, I don't see how he's not the
best defensive player in the game this year. And you know,
it depends to whatever metric you want to measure that.
Buy if you want to go with the eye test,
I think everybody would agree. I think if you want
to go with the advanced metrics and look at the
pressure numbers and the that he's getting double teamed and
(06:02):
slides are going his way, that's the piece to me
that I think is so impressive and remarkable is he's
doing all this with getting all of the attention from
the other team. It's like a degree of difficulty that
he's able to lead the league in sacks and tackles
for loss with all that attention. It's it should be impossible.
So that just speaks to the caliber he's playing at.
(06:25):
I don't have a vote in it, but I don't
see how he's not the best defensive player in the
National Football League.
Speaker 8 (06:31):
Again, Kevin Y I ended up what you know, You're asked,
boy jersey making Pro Bowl, but you ended up with
three guys on a Pro Bowl, six different alternates as well.
I guess just what's to say about you know, the
individual players you have and you know, seems kind of
(06:52):
tough to kind of square that with the lack of
team success.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Well, I think, first of all, when it comes to
individual success, we want that for all of our guys.
It's a great reflection on their teammates. When you get
individual's success, every single one of those guys would tell
you that's not the most important thing. That they understand
that winning. You know, the team comes first, and I
know they would all trade that for success as a team.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
Okay, we're not done.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
Put that recorder down, Jeff.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
So one of your colleagues here is retiring after twenty
six years at the AP covering the Browns. So I
just want to acknowledge mister Tom Withers, who's you know,
the best in the business, so professional, he's nobody can
beat him when it comes to his his encyclopedia. How
(07:48):
do you say, American encyclopedia, knowledge of music and sports,
But you do it the right way. I appreciate you
I know this group appreciates you. So let's hear from
mister Tom Withers.
Speaker 12 (08:00):
Come on off.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Tight Ends coach Tommy Reese talked about what he learned
during his time with Mike Rabel, not of.
Speaker 10 (08:16):
Mike's gone, Rabel's gone, Just what what did you learn
the most from him in your time working with them?
Speaker 13 (08:23):
Yeah, I mean he was invaluable, especially like early in
camp and early in the season he was with the
tight Ends predominantly, and just being able to see how
he approached different players, to reach guys that you know,
not everybody learns the same way, not everybody takes coaching
the same way, but his ability to reach guys and
use different tactics like that was critical for me. You know,
(08:45):
the way he's able to look at the game as
a head coach and kind of the full picture of things.
So to be able to hear that firsthand and be
around at firsthand. And then you know, honestly, for me
coming from college into the NFL, for a guy that
spent most of his life in the NFL, just the
nuances and you know, some of the differences between the
two games and hearing that from him was was great.
(09:06):
And so you know, I was still am extremely appreciative
of the time I got to spend with him and
being able to you know, pick his brain, hear some
things from a defensive perspective, and you know, it was
a pretty unique but like really rewarding experience to be
able to work with him.
Speaker 14 (09:24):
I think it was at the Green Bar, the only
time we talked of for Able he made reference to
having a past relationship with you from.
Speaker 13 (09:32):
Yeah, I just knew him a little bit just through
other coaches, you know, people that we had both either
worked with or knew from the past, and then you
know when those guys come around for pro Day's or
whatever it may be at you know, Notre Dame or
Alabama and having that experience. So it wasn't like we
knew each other great, but we were definitely you know,
had some mutual contacts and people that were from the
(09:55):
same circle.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
I know we asked you about.
Speaker 15 (10:00):
It a little bit before, but just the way he
got so physical during practices and you know, even with
your you know, with the tight ends and all that.
Speaker 5 (10:09):
Kind of stuff, how that went.
Speaker 13 (10:10):
Yeah, it was it was cool for me to see
and I think I probably like, look, I'm not stature
wise quite what phrames is, but like, even as the
year went on and he wasn't with us, like to
be able to be hands on with the guys and
feel the blocks and feel some of those things and
being able to, you know, use those techniques, that was
(10:30):
valuable for me and for him, Like he was always
looking at it like we block the position he played
almost every snap, right, So to be able to hear
it from the other side is a really interesting perspective
for our players and for myself.
Speaker 6 (10:46):
Nuances between the NFL and college being back in the
NFL issue for you, like, what are some of the
things that really jumped out to either.
Speaker 12 (10:53):
Yeah, I mean I just think.
Speaker 13 (10:56):
Like the personnel that you face week in and week out,
and then fell is such a part of the game plan.
Like there are guys that can wreck games. Right in college,
you might get a few of those throughout the year,
but it's not week in and week out, and so
you know, at this level that's probably one of the
biggest factors.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
And how you.
Speaker 13 (11:13):
Approach looking at an opponent is just Okay, well, who
are the guys that we actually have to go effect
and block and how do we make sure that we're
putting our players in the right spots all the time.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Because you bid and coach some of these guys. Will
you be part of the draft process, like maybe more
than a.
Speaker 12 (11:29):
Normal position, Yeah, I mean I don't.
Speaker 13 (11:31):
You know, that's not necessarily up to us, and that's
something well, you know, as the offseason approaches. But you
know we were part of that last year and continue to,
you know, have our role in all of those things.
Speaker 9 (11:44):
David getting named of Pro Bowl Alternate, I mean just
the injuries he's dealt with this year and he's been
in and out. Just how it's he handled that.
Speaker 12 (11:51):
How have you guys handled it as a burp? Yeah,
I mean Dave every week wants to play.
Speaker 13 (11:55):
You know, obviously there's been limitations there due to injury,
but he's fought. He's a tough guy. That's something I
learned about Dave throughout the year is just his commitment
and his toughness to wanting to be out there with
his guys. And I mean you saw it a few
weeks ago as he gives our team a spark. So,
you know, really fortunate to be able to coach, you know,
someone like Dave, and you know it hasn't been the
(12:16):
easiest year for him, but you know he's throughout all
of it has really strived to try to get.
Speaker 12 (12:21):
Out on the field when he you know, as much
as he can.
Speaker 9 (12:24):
Next year, what do.
Speaker 15 (12:26):
You see for him just in terms of the kind
of production he's capable of.
Speaker 13 (12:30):
Yeah, I mean, you guys saw it here a year
ago and you've seen it in glimpses this year of
you know, when he's able to go when you get
the ball to him. You know, he's really good after
the catch, He's really good with the ball in his hands.
He's a great matchup in the red zone, as we've
seen throughout the season, and so continue to build off that,
and then you know, he is truly one of the
tight ends in the league that you can have in
the game to affect the pass and affect the run,
(12:52):
and so that that standard doesn't you know, drop for him.
Speaker 7 (12:55):
Through your interview with.
Speaker 13 (12:56):
Carolina twice, you know, like those opportunities I'm about you know,
I had a good experience there, but you know, my
focus has been on the season and you know I'd
rather just keep things, you know, looking ahead here and
making sure that we have a you know, opportunity to have.
Speaker 12 (13:12):
A good practice and a good game this weekend.
Speaker 13 (13:14):
But you know those those opportunities come and you know,
fortunate for you know, things like that. But my focus
has been mainly here.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
So answer, it hasn't been the year off toda anybody wanted.
But how are you a better coach than.
Speaker 4 (13:28):
When you came in your last chamber?
Speaker 5 (13:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 13 (13:29):
I mean I think one like being with a position
group I'm with like this, the tight end group is
part of everything, Like outside of the quarterback, you have
to know run game, protection, past game, how to get open,
how to block someone. Like for me, the personal growth
there has been tremendous. Look, when you deal with adversity,
you learn a lot. And this year has not gone
(13:51):
the way any of us had you know, planned for.
But I think when you're faced with those times, you
learn in different ways and you learn, you know, how
to keep moving forward, how to keep coaching guys, how
to make sure that you're you know, week in and
week out putting your guys and positions to have success.
So you know, sometimes you learn more in these types
of situations than you do when everything's going you know great, cool,
(14:16):
I mean, what do you think I'm gonna say? I thought, Yeah,
I mean, I would say, like first and foremost, hopefully
everybody down there is okay and safe. And you know,
there's a lot of people that I've spoken to with
Notre Dame down there that it was a pretty you know,
hectic a couple of you know, a couple of days.
So obviously I'm pulling for the Irish more than anything.
Hopefully everybody's you know, okay and can get home safe.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Quarterbacks coach Brandon Lynch spoke on Denzel wards season, which
led to his fourth career Pro Bowl selection.
Speaker 15 (14:45):
Can start with Denzel making the Pro Bowl and just
what kind of season.
Speaker 5 (14:50):
Has he had?
Speaker 16 (14:51):
Yes, you know, we were talking earlier today. You know,
we talk about like the best ability is dependability and availability,
and I think that that's something that like he really
strived in the off season to make sure that he
was available for the team, you know, and not just
you know in a mental you know, play making fashion,
but also physically and he did a really good job
at that.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
This year.
Speaker 9 (15:12):
The way he's continued to just be disruptive with leading
the league and in passes defense. And I know he
has a couple of interceptions, but even though those haven't
come as often as he would like the way he's
too little to impact.
Speaker 16 (15:23):
The games by the way, you know, I think that
this year for Denzel, like fundamentals and techniques have been outstanding,
you know, and it's one of those things that is
really rooted in like doing it for the team, you know.
And I think that like in years past, that's something
like seeing his maturity in that in that level as
a teacher, I've been very proud of him in that.
Speaker 9 (15:42):
I mean the fact that he sounded like yesterday he
wants to try to fight through and play in in
this game. I mean the fact that you have a
guy like that doing that at three and thirteen in
the last week when he is kind of beat up,
Like what does that what kind of message does that
send to the rest of the bets?
Speaker 16 (15:56):
The team is always first, you know, And that's something
that like being a c Eveland guy, right and being
one of our leaders on the on the team, it's
great to see like our leaders lead, you know. We
talk about like leaders lead from the front, and we're
talking about you're either a falsehot or a dream, you know,
And he's certainly a false that he gives he serves
on the football field in the community and we're seeing
(16:17):
that on tape.
Speaker 6 (16:19):
I guess unusual maybe to see a guy play his
best football this far into his career. And you mentioned
what some of the reasons the availability, but what else
did you see him kind of make.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
A jump in this year?
Speaker 16 (16:32):
Attention to detail, you know, like Denzelda is a smart player,
like with rare traits, but attention to detail, like he's
really applied those things. You know, and the team has
always been important to him, but like being catapulted in
a position of leadership, like you've really seen him take
ownership and that amongst the group. You know, Jim talks about,
(16:52):
you know, our d line being the engine, you know,
our second level players linebackers, and our safeties being a
nurse and or and us being a tip of the spear.
He's really taken ownership of that, you know, legitly, and
you're seeing it in his play.
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Martin focus on this.
Speaker 16 (17:07):
Offseason true, you know what I'd say, being Martin, like
he's a guy that continues to have arrow up, he
continues to improve his press is off, his tackling. We
want to make sure that we keep the focus on that.
And then we talk about like not growing weary, Right,
So when we are successful in that like remaining fundamentally
sound and staying grounded.
Speaker 14 (17:28):
About Denzel's kind of turning a corner on dependability this year.
I mean, did you think he could laiter rest the
criticism that he isn't the pedal but he's always missing
a few games to because the turning point in his
career this kind of season and that.
Speaker 16 (17:47):
You know, he he always has like leveraged all of
the resources in the building, you know, from Larry to
Joe to you know, Ron, all of these guys in
the building. So I know he's gonna continuously you know,
put his best foot forward in that manner.
Speaker 14 (18:02):
Shouldn't by anyone for him to focus on that.
Speaker 16 (18:06):
This year, you know what it's It's it's always ownership,
right like great players. You know, Jim always talks about
like great teams being player led, Like these are these
are goals you know that we'll talk about in the
off season, but these are also personal goals that he's
always had, you know, and to see his maturity and
dependability to rely on those resources this year has been great.
Speaker 6 (18:28):
See, I know Cam played mostly in the slot, but
it feels like he's had to play more outside lately
with some of the injury injuries you guys have been
dealing with, do you think he can play in Saturday
and outside?
Speaker 16 (18:39):
Absolutely versatile player, you know, I know that. You know
when Andrew and coach Sefanski got him here, you know,
we talked about like that versatility amongst physicians, and he's
a player that you know, speed, length, athleticism, He plays
press well. He's also a really has really good ball
skills and he's a good tackler, so being able to
be inside and outside, but also being a good communicator
(19:01):
to keep us ahead. That ads that adds value in them.
Speaker 6 (19:05):
And then one Cincinnati played late, where did he just stop?
Because follow everybody stops?
Speaker 16 (19:11):
Sure, you know what, we have to do a better
job finishing on that, you know, just period. And I'll
I'll be the very first person to say that that
reflects myself. We made sure that we got that.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
Corrected with Martin.
Speaker 15 (19:25):
And obviously you guys play a lot of man covers.
Is he what he needs to be or does he
need to really work on the technique in one on
one outside man covering?
Speaker 16 (19:34):
A great question is Mary, you know, I I think
that like to a man like to a player and
a student and teacher. We're never really you know, at
our at our final process, so you know, us always
working on what's important for us. I know that we
talk a lot about who we play, what they play,
what we play, best personnel in our two deep reference
(19:54):
to injuries, so you know, the things that we play
and who we play.
Speaker 5 (19:57):
We want to make sure that our press are all off.
Speaker 16 (20:00):
Our zone instincts as well as our tackling are always
at the forefront of things.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
What is it.
Speaker 6 (20:10):
Have you ever seen Lamar play any better than he.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
Is right now?
Speaker 9 (20:13):
Oh?
Speaker 16 (20:14):
Man, he is definitely arrow up, you know, continuously improve.
He's a better pocket passer, He's seeing the field more confidently,
you know, very impressive to see.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Wide receiver Jerry Judy discussed being selected to his first
career Pro Bowl.
Speaker 5 (20:28):
Uh, it feels great.
Speaker 11 (20:29):
You know, I'm extremely blessed and though extremely thankful just
to had opportunity to be able to make.
Speaker 5 (20:35):
The Pro Bowl for my first year.
Speaker 11 (20:37):
You know, couldn't do it without the guys in the
locker room, you know, couldn't do it without coaching staff
and put him in the right position to be able
to make plays and be successful in this offense, you know,
thanks to those guys, just something.
Speaker 9 (20:49):
Like, hey, I can do some good things here and
we can do some good things in the future.
Speaker 12 (20:57):
Even though the.
Speaker 9 (20:58):
Records three is thirteen.
Speaker 11 (21:00):
Uh yeah for sure, you know, we just uh we
got all the all the players that that that.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Uh we need to be able to be a good team,
you know.
Speaker 11 (21:07):
Uh, you know, uh it's trying to be a good
team next year.
Speaker 5 (21:12):
I mean, what was it like you got to uh
you know, I W.
Speaker 11 (21:17):
I was extremely happy, you know, all the hard work
I put put it in throughout the off season. Now
it's finally it's finally showing. You know, been through a
lot my first couple of years uh in the league,
you know, so not be it of a really showcase
what I'm about and be being being the Portland you
know what it means a lot of me.
Speaker 5 (21:37):
Gerdy Somelafe.
Speaker 8 (21:37):
It takes a while for uh a a player who
was traded to fit into it to the team, but
it seems you did it right away.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
What who was the key to that?
Speaker 11 (21:46):
Have at?
Speaker 5 (21:47):
You know?
Speaker 11 (21:48):
Uh, I feel like I was the the type of
guy to uh really to perform like this.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
You know, I just had to be put in the
right position.
Speaker 11 (21:55):
To do so, you know, and come in here, you know, uh,
coach Kennon, Uh Steven all the officer coach, you know,
put me in the right position to that really be
successful and really perform in and you know, and I
just took advantage of every opportunity.
Speaker 15 (22:09):
So you have always felt like you were a one
thousand yard receiver, You've always felt like you were a
Pro Bowl receiver right when the men you came into the.
Speaker 11 (22:17):
League, I would guess, yeah, yeah, of course, you know, uh,
you know, I definitely felt that. I felt I definitely
felt like I was one of the top guys coming
in the league. You know, the numbers probably ain't short,
you know, but nah, you know, God's God's timing, you know.
Speaker 5 (22:31):
Nah, it's better than now than ever.
Speaker 6 (22:32):
Did you look at the list of the guys who
made the Pro Bowls and think, you know whatever, it
means impressive list of guys, Like did you take any
time to look and see.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
Who was on the team with you?
Speaker 8 (22:41):
Uh?
Speaker 11 (22:41):
Yeah, I seen, Uh yeah, I seen who was They
tapped me on Instagram, you know, I I seen it.
So yeah, yah, they're all talented group of guys.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
Is this set any dark for you.
Speaker 11 (22:54):
Uh yeah, for sure, you know, Uh, Pro Bowl now
hopefully Super Bowl champion.
Speaker 5 (23:01):
You know, I'll pro so that what we're chasing.
Speaker 9 (23:03):
Now.
Speaker 15 (23:05):
How about this weekend, looks like you're gonna have both
Dorian and Bailey. Are you ready to catch passes from
both of those guys?
Speaker 16 (23:12):
However the order goes?
Speaker 5 (23:13):
Uh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 11 (23:14):
You know, I'm pretty sure both of those guys are
well prepared. You know, both of them had uh a
good amount of reps this week you know, and I'm
excited to see what they do out.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
There, specially you get maxed up with Marlin a lot.
Speaker 11 (23:24):
Oh yeah, I'm PM probably sir.
Speaker 5 (23:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Finally, reigning Defensive Player of the Year Miles Garrett made
his case for winning that honor for a second straight season.
Speaker 17 (23:33):
They sentium, I've had a Smediam since high school.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
Man, it's been tough, tough onun and close.
Speaker 15 (23:42):
What else do you talk about?
Speaker 12 (23:43):
Uncertain?
Speaker 15 (23:45):
Uh, I was just gonna ask you why making your
sixty vote?
Speaker 5 (23:52):
Yeah, especial, I'm grateful for every single one.
Speaker 16 (23:56):
Uh.
Speaker 17 (23:57):
Hopefully I can keep my toes safe and come out
here think. But uh, I always excited to figure out
there and uh, you know see some of the the
very best, know some of those guys pretty well, and uh,
you know, being around being around greatness and that that's rare.
So you know, just try to you know, take what
I can from the experience and uh, like I said,
and I take it for granted.
Speaker 9 (24:16):
What is after the to injury? Do you think you
might set out some of the fastivities or watch from.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
The side past.
Speaker 17 (24:23):
Uh yeah, I think I might, you know, play it
safe and uh, you know, do some things a little
bit less strenuous.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
I know we're we're talking about the sack title or
but now that it's one game away, when you're tied
to trade, Uh, how cool would it be to you?
Speaker 5 (24:39):
How important is it to you to get that first
protect tickle?
Speaker 17 (24:43):
Uh? I mean I'd rather upset them and mess up
their their playoff hopes. And if the sack title comes
along with that, great, you know, definitely gonna do what
I can to be disruptive and the take, you know,
eight out the game as mucial as possible, so you know,
(25:04):
if that comes along with it, outstanding.
Speaker 5 (25:06):
But you know, at the end of the day, I
wanna win it. Take I mean, is it possible to
even take out completely. Hell, no, the man's amazing.
Speaker 17 (25:17):
Uh. A couple of years back, you would say, you know,
try to keep him in the pocket. I think even
the beginning of the season, we're like, you know, just
try to keep keep him in the pocket and make
him play with as munch as possible. Night You're like,
we don't know what to do. He he's been steadily growing.
No year after year, you know he's he he lost
that uh that baby bait. Now he's back to, you know,
(25:38):
being lean and and fast as hell. So now you
know what he he get breaks the pocket or he
stays in the pockets, you know you you're gonna have
a a rough day, cause he can do.
Speaker 9 (25:47):
Everything's year talking do uh camping earlier than he was
campaigning for you to again be the defensive player of
the year.
Speaker 5 (25:56):
You do you think you're having a better year than
you've been dead last year? I think with U yes
to say it, you know, both blake or bluntly, but.
Speaker 17 (26:13):
I feel like I face much more difficult odds this year,
and uh, you know, Officer's throwing quite a lot to
try to take me out the game and make it
no blatantly obvious, but uh, you know, I feel like
the guys around me have have really helped me, uh
thrive as much as I I have at this point,
and I know one just gotta continue to uh you know,
(26:34):
add on you know to what I've done with this
last game, But I can can have done it without
all the guys with me.
Speaker 6 (26:39):
The tenth do you feel like we're not through increasing
what teams were going to do?
Speaker 5 (26:44):
And was there something unique form other words?
Speaker 4 (26:46):
Just such?
Speaker 5 (26:47):
Yeah? I mean it w it was kind of a
you know, mixing match. You know, some teams will do it,
some teams won't.
Speaker 17 (26:55):
But I feel like, you know, a lot of the
people are starting to share to say, you know, blueprint
on you no, you know, doubling, chipping, sliding, tripling and
all all that stuff. You know there there's so many
different ways in once they're trying to you know, keep
me out of my rhythm, keep me out balance, make
sure that uh I don't have you know, many opportunities
to make plays.
Speaker 5 (27:15):
Why do you think you've been able to play better
at Displaint Cause I got better and I'll continue to
until I'm I'm finished.
Speaker 12 (27:24):
How you can't specified how you did get better?
Speaker 5 (27:28):
Fit the uh? We can? I specify.
Speaker 17 (27:31):
Man, it was another year of seeing it and I'm
breaking it down with you know, my teammates and and
you know, jocking sworts, you know, finding a way. But
you know, you you start seeing it, you know, we
start to you know, go back to that film from
you know, last year and the year before that, and
how they're they're trying to treat me, and I'll start
to start the game plan against it.
Speaker 5 (27:50):
I'm just like the game playing against myself.
Speaker 10 (27:53):
Where else I remember.
Speaker 15 (27:54):
Heading into that this season, the class season, you particularly
think that you necessarily have been uh, the whole Hall
of Fame resume that you were gonna need. But uh,
these past two years have just seemed to be taken
everything up and notch you to reached all these milestones
and you do as a player year, do you feel
like the job put together now a Hall of Fame resident?
Speaker 5 (28:15):
Mm, it's good. I don't think about that in the slightest.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
No.
Speaker 17 (28:23):
Like I like, I have continued to say I wanna win.
And you know, a lot of the lot of the
guys who I look up to who are in the
Hall of Fame, have worn at a very high level,
have gone to Notta Mountain top either been there multiple
times or I won a chip and uh now I
gotta continue to self continue to work myself into that
that conversation by you know, finding way to succeed, you know,
(28:45):
getting wins and and uh, you know we have to
continue to work on that.
Speaker 15 (28:49):
Pro that ye do you in justicipate talking to having
the discussia to hosts of discocious way on the getaway day,
I mean on s uh at Sunday with you know,
Ab and Jimmy and and oh the people think you
need to talk to about to.
Speaker 17 (29:02):
I mean, I'm i'm'a do it with with them when
whatever day they they choose to do it. I'm not
gonna do anything different from the group. You know, I
have a I set time and slot and I'm I'm
abide by that.
Speaker 9 (29:15):
M So go back to Lamar and you know, against them,
I think when you hooked it up, you have five
and a half sacks taking him down in your career,
those like the hardest.
Speaker 17 (29:23):
Five and a half sacks you've been more for Absolutely,
it's not even close. I mean there's a there are
definitely some other special cats at the quarterback position for
a shifty uh, I mean Pat himself, he he has
great you know contact balance, but uh, I mean Lamar
you know has that, but he had also had speed.
Speaker 5 (29:41):
It's quickness.
Speaker 17 (29:42):
You know, he's shifty, you know, so he has right,
you know that tremendous funding ability and you know you
can also you know, throw the ball pretty much anyone
in the field.
Speaker 6 (29:49):
Right now really, so when I know you've got him
with the sacks, but have you ever gotten to like
clean shot at him? Cause it feels like a lot
of ady a lot of guys, don't, you know, whether
you're scrambling or whatever, or he just doesn't take hit.
Speaker 17 (30:01):
I don't know anybody who has got a real clean
like wall upon him. So I don't know if it'll happen. Yeah,
I don't know if it happens. So, uh, myself included,
like you said, but we'll see. You know, somebody has
to do it.
Speaker 7 (30:17):
Two of the guys you what the most success against
or kinds of sex or Joe and Lamar, and I
know they're their division, but you sort of take pride
in that that you know, these are two guys that
you know, they're amongst the best of the best in
the game right now. They're you know, they're both good
at being elusive, getting rith ball quick and all that,
and yet you're still able to amass the numbers that
(30:38):
you've amassed against him.
Speaker 17 (30:41):
I mean, getting sacks difficult against anyone. So well, those
guys are definitely at the top of that list, you know,
with different ways of going about it. But you know,
with Joe feeling you know, a lot better physically than
he has in years, and Lamar being Lamar, you know,
those those are special. But uh, I gotta con team
to to add to that.
Speaker 12 (31:02):
Miles.
Speaker 2 (31:02):
Uh, Ronnie McCloud has last NFL game coming up this Saturday. Uh,
what is he bet to this locker room?
Speaker 5 (31:07):
Yeah, I mean he's been just a.
Speaker 17 (31:12):
Uh a foundational leader. You know, he's he's been here,
been been as steady as possible. Ah, And uh, you
know he's he's always done been right there when we
needed him, whether it was on the field not making
him plays, uh or just being here being a a
steady voice for us and and never being discouraged.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
You know, he's he's seeing it, always been a part
of it all.
Speaker 17 (31:32):
And uh, you know, grateful to to be around someone
who's who's been a part of success, understands what it
takes and no giving that time to to influence the
young guys to continue to you know, chase after they're
they'll go hopes and dreams.
Speaker 13 (31:46):
My miles are on When Kevill's making his case for
you to in d Y, he said, can't see how
any think you weren't the best defensive player?
Speaker 5 (31:53):
Du Do you think you're the best defensive player in
the league right now? Yes? Why?
Speaker 10 (32:01):
Why?
Speaker 5 (32:02):
Why you go check the tape? That's why.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
That'll do it for this episode of the From the
Podium podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe to the
show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep it locked to
Cleveland Browns daily each weekday, and follow the Browns on
social media for more coverage from the Cross Country Mortgage
Campus right here in Berea. I'm Gabekollura. Thanks for listening
to the From the Podium podcast.
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